President Michael D Higgins has expressed confidence in the State's economic and cultural future despite the "testing times" being suffered by many this Christmas.
Extending Christmas greetings to people at home and abroad in a videotaped message, Mr Higgins said although this time of year tended to be thought of as a happy time for families, he was conscious that for some, "this year will be a Christmas where unemployment, financial insecurity or the absence of a loved one now living abroad will cast a dark shadow".
"For many others it will be a sad time due to illness or family bereavement, so these are troubling and testing times for so many."
Acknowledging the "hurt inflicted, the dismay caused by the mistakes made," Mr Higgins said Irish people had "the resilience, the fortitude and the wisdom to move beyond any destructive cynicism and recrimination, and have the capacity and determination to move on and craft a new, positive form of their Irishness".
The President said he had been inspired by the resourcefulness of people and communities as they demonstrated social solidarity, particularly for the less fortunate in Ireland and overseas.
Mr Higgins noted there were some positive economic signs, including growth in exports and "robust" inward investment, but added the "great challenge of creating jobs, reducing unemployment, remains".
"We Irish also remain a nation of great cultural and sporting achievement, and this continues to enrich our society and enhance our reputation abroad. There is also widespread support for a post-recession future driven by our people's creativity and grounded in a real economy that harnesses our indigenous strengths and adds lasting value to our economy.
The President said he was confident a sustainable, strong economy could be rebuilt on the shared strengths and ethical values of Irish people that was grounded within a just and inclusive society.
Mr Higgins called for a State "that marries the best of its old wisdom with a new-found learning wrought from the chastening experience of recent troubled times".
He closed his message by wishing all a peaceful Christmas and happy new year.
